Christmas in the Land of Lights

During the Christmas period, Alsace is divided into 7 “countries”, a division aiming at grouping the territories according to their Christmas traditions. The Land of Lights is located around Saverne, west of Strasbourg and north of Alsace. It includes the towns of Bouxwiller, Wasselonne, Marmoutier, la Petite Pierre and Hengwiller.

The Land of Lights is not the best known when it comes to Christmas markets in Alsace. However, I made some nice discoveries there! It may not be as magical as the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace such as Colmar or Kaysersberg (although I do rank Bouxwiller among the most beautiful!) but this area is also quieter, which is also pleasant.

Here, Christmas markets are rather small markets that usually last only one weekend. Some animations are also proposed during the whole Advent period.

Here is an article that will help you, I hope, to see a little more clearly on this corner of Alsace. I give you here some ideas of visits to the Land of Christmas Lights.

Christmas market in Bouxwiller

The Christmas market of Bouxwiller is the largest in the Land of Lights. It takes place during a single weekend in December but attracts a huge number of people. If you shy away from crowds, this is not the one I would recommend. Otherwise, I highly recommend it. It is a very nice market, even if it is not the most known by tourists.

The Christmas market takes place in the streets of Bouxwiller, a lovely little town with beautiful half-timbered houses. On the stands, many local crafts and producers of the region. A nice authentic market!

Winter wonderland in Saverne – Lighting up the city

I was thrilled by the lighting of the city of Saverne during the Christmas period. The facades of the Grand Rue are all lit, offering a superb luminous perspective. It’s worth it to go and admire them!

Saverne on the other hand does not have a real Christmas market but only a few stands, which are not very good on the whole. It feels more like a carnival than a Christmas market in my opinion.

For the children, there is also a small synthetic ice rink in Saverne which should please them!

Springerle making workshop in La Petite Pierre

Do you know the springerle? These are traditional Alsatian aniseed cookies, which are decorated with a pattern in relief. They can be eaten but also used as decorations for the Christmas tree.

The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in La Petite Pierre is entirely dedicated to springerle. There are many old molds and patterns, which allows you to immerse yourself in this Alsatian tradition.

During the Advent season, the museum organizes springerle making workshops. We go there to watch them being made, to learn the secrets of their success, to taste them, to discuss with the museum’s volunteers… The atmosphere is very nice.

The huge crib in Hengwiller

The crib of Hengwiller is part of the path of the cribs of Noëlies. It is very impressive since it occupies more than half of the church of Hengwiller! It is made every year by a passionate inhabitant.

Put a little coin to liven it up and brighten it up, it’s worth a look! I think I re-run it about 4 times to take the time to admire the level of detail in the crib. Really nice!

Christmas Market in Wasselonne – Christmas in the Castle

The Christmas market in Wasselonne is called Christmas in the Castle. The medieval theme is honored with several stands and animations.

You can for example attend a demonstration of stone cutting, making a horseshoe, a stained glass window… Many activities are also planned for children: pony rides, archery, donkeys and goats to observe and pet… Nice!

The Christmas market is of medium size: it is not huge but still has a number of stands. I was a little disappointed by these: some are really in the Christmas spirit but others not at all, which gives a little more atmosphere than Christmas market. It’s a shame.

Christmas market in Graufthal

The Graufthal Christmas market is a very small Christmas market with a very local atmosphere. There are very few tourists on the horizon! If you’re avoiding the crowds and want to enjoy a mini-market in a pretty setting, you might like it.

Graufthal is indeed located in the heart of the beautiful nature of the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park. The village is known for its troglodytic houses. Even if they can’t be visited in December, it’s worth it to see them! Nestled in the rock, they are truly amazing.